Award Information
Description of original award (Fiscal Year 2008, $160,486)
The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (JAG) allows states, tribes, and local governments to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime based on their own local needs and conditions. Grant funds can be used for state and local initiatives, technical assistance, training, personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support, and information systems for criminal justice for any one or more of the following purpose areas: 1) law enforcement programs; 2) prosecution and court programs; 3) prevention and education programs; 4) corrections and community corrections programs; 5) drug treatment programs; 6) planning, evaluation, and technology improvement programs; and 7) crime victim and witness programs (other than compensation).
The disparate jurisdictions of the county of Pinellas and the city of St. Petersburg will utilize their Fiscal Year 2008 JAG award in the amount of $160,486 for law enforcement purposes. The fiscal agent, the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, will continue its digital in-car video project. This equipment allows deputies to make video recordings of traffic stops and criminal activity in progress, and will be integrated with the laptop system currently in agency vehicles. The in-car digital recorders will significantly improve the officer's day-to-day efficiency and safety.
The St. Petersburg Police Department will use funding to support its community resource centers, community perspective radio program, volunteer workforce and community awareness programs, and other law enforcement investigation enhancement initiatives. The resource centers are staffed with volunteers and are used by community-based groups and law enforcement to share information and engage in strategic planning. The radio program is designed to keep the public informed of quality of life issues in the community. The volunteer workforce is involved with road patrol, disabled parking enforcement patrol, citizen-based patrols, and the volunteer police academy. The crime awareness division has implemented an aggressive education program to teach citizens techniques to prevent auto theft and anti-theft devices are provided for vehicles having a high risk of theft. Rented vehicles are used to enhance undercover operations.
NCA/NCF